I can completely understand your temptation of using cosmetics if you’re also seeking coverage formulas for concealing acne, discolorations, and red marks. Fortunately, there are many alternatives to consider. But, do you know which is the best makeup for acne prone skin?
No? Then, I’ll share some of my favorites in this article.
Not because I’m smarter than you, but because I’ve done more stupid stuff than you when it comes to choosing right makeup for my oily, acne prone skin.
Every acne sufferer agrees that acne is the WORST. The more you have, the more inclined you feel to cover it up with heavy foundation. But, sometimes even the best makeup for acne can lead to new breakouts.
As a result, you become trapped in a vicious cycle of hiding your blemishes while the product you’re using creates more of them. Grrrr!!
Therefore, it’s worth considering what’s going on with your skin; development of acne requires the presence of several factors including certain bacteria, oil production, and occlusion of pores.
Any of these contributing factors can make you break out when you add makeup to the mix.
Does Makeup Really Cause Acne?
As I’ve discussed in my previous article, acne is an inflammatory disorder that occurs deep in your skin.
Surprisingly, makeup CAN cause acne if you’re not using oil-free makeup and it also has certain types of ingredients and formulas you need to avoid.
Find an acne-fighting oil-free mineral makeup to help prevent your acne from worsening, if you can’t do without it. Also, don’t be lazy and keep your makeup brushes clean to prevent bacterial growth and infections.
Products to Avoid When Shopping for Best Makeup For Acne Prone Skin
As we know that no one can say with certainty either a product will or won’t cause or worsen your breakout.
However, avoiding irritant-loaded makeup products is critical for everyone, especially for those who have oily, acne-prone skin.
OK, so, you don’t know which ingredients in your makeup are the culprits behind those flare-ups.
Therefore, you’re bombarding Google with your queries. Well, I can make your search easier by helping you identify the biggest pore-cloggers in your makeup.
Here, we go:
1. Comedogenic Products
Unfortunately, they’re commonly found in makeup, cleansers, suntan lotions, and even acne products.
If you’re prone to breakouts, eliminating products with comedogenic ingredients is a MUST. Because the best makeup for acne prone skin is one that does not contain these ingredients.
Any liquid or pressed product should be checked for pore-clogging ingredients. Mineral makeup and loose powder tend to be the safest choice but they should also be checked.
You’ve to keep in mind that ‘natural ingredients’ such as palm oil can also be comedogenic.
2. Alcohols
All alcohols aren’t bad but Cetearyl alcohol, oleyl alcohol, and other types can trigger blackheads and whiteheads. In addition, alcohols are irritants and can dry out your skin.
3. Lanolin
Remember, a greasy crap built up on you your hair when you went without washing it for a few days?
That was lanolin. The greasy stuff secreted by wool-bearing mammals to help shed water from their coats and bucketed for many uses, including shoe polish, rust-proof coatings and to smear it on your face.
It’s used in makeup products as an emollient to soften the skin and can also lead to breakouts.
Is it bad for you? I’m not saying that. I’m just saying it’s gross. Ewww.
4. Oils
Many foundations include oil, such as coconut oil, mineral oil, and cocoa butter.
But oils are not recommended for someone with acne. Because adding extra oil to your already oily skin can clog your pores even more.
Instead, Look Out For These Ingredients
- Aloe: It’s actually 99.5% water and water is good for our skin. The isolated components of aloe, such as glycoprotein have some effectiveness as an anti-irritant and for wound healing. When mixed into a cosmetic product, it binds moisture to the skin.
- Antimicrobial peptide 10: An article on Wiley Online Library has confirmed that AMP provides a rapid defense against infection by acting as natural antibiotics.
- Vitamin A and Retinoic Acid: Both are thought to prevent the development of those pesky zits and fighting acne scars. Retinoic acid also stimulates collagen and counters the effects of aging and negative sun exposure (after all, not all sun exposure is bad).
Best Makeup For Acne Prone Skin To Banish Those Blemishes
1. Dior Diorskin Airflash Spray Foundation
Besides making your skin look flawless in a jiffy with precision and ease, this airbrush-like spray removes brushes from the equation.
Women like me and you, who don’t wash their makeup brushes as much as they should, are drooling over it. So, skipping that all together is always welcome.
Good Reviews:
- Makes problematic skin look flawless.
- Lasts all day.
- Effectively covers pimples or bumps on your skin.
- Best makeup for acne scars.
Bad Reviews:
- Too expensive.
2. Clinique Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup
This oil-free foundation is one of my personal favorites and the best makeup for sensitive acne prone skin. It’s perfect for neutralizing redness, banishing blemishes, and perfecting your complexion all day long.
Its medicated ingredients help in treating existing breakouts and keep them from revisiting.
Good Reviews:
- 100% 5 stars.
- Also available in powder form.
- Do I need to say more?
3. Jouer Anti-Blemish Matte Primer
This mattifying anti-blemish primer is formulated with salicylic acid, aloe, vitamin E, and ginseng. All these help to calm redness and reduce inflammation, promoting an even complexion.
It is:
- Oil Free
- Hypoallergenic
- Paraben Free
- Silicone Free
- Fragrance Free
- Dermatologist tested.
Good Reviews:
- Lightweight and effective, even for sensitive skin.
- Nicely fills the enlarged pours.
- Prevents the development of new acne.
- Treats existing blemishes.
Bad Reviews:
- Jouer never disappoints. So, not even a single bad review till now. Fingers crossed!!
4. Murad Oil-control Mattifier SPF 15 Pa++ – 1.7 Oz
This mattifier is ideal for acne-prone skin. It works best when used as a step three moisturizer in any Murad acne regimen.
This product is dermatologist developed and scientifically proven.
Animal lovers are going to love it because it’s on people, not animals.
Good Reviews:
- Paraben and sulfate-free.
- A little bit goes a long way.
- Controls oil buildup (the devil behind those flare-ups).
- Prevents against sun damage.
Bad Reviews:
- Gluey texture
- Unfortunately, didn’t work for some.
5. Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Cover Foundation
This matte foundation makes your skin look absolutely flawless. Plus, it’s oil-free and creates a “soft focus effect,” making your skin imperfections blur away, both on camera and in real life.
Good Reviews:
- Gives a no makeup look.
- Great color range.
- Doesn’t melt or cake after long wear.
Bad Reviews:
- Only blends skin tone and one has to use concealer to cover discolorations.
- Doesn’t provide full coverage.
- Not for dry skin.
6. Laura Mercier Oil-Free Foundation
Laura Mercier Oil-Free Foundation is a great makeup for oily skin that soothes acne prone skin and maintains moisture without clogging your pores. It’s easy to apply and lasts for up to 8 hours.
It contains Aloe Barbadenis Leaf Juice, which as I’ve discussed above soothes sensitive skin and is a potent healing agent – a necessity for all acne sufferers.
Good Reviews:
- Leaves a soft, matte complexion.
- Non-greasy.
- Available in 12 different shades to cater to every skin tones.
- A little goes a long way.
- Don’t have to wear concealer with it to cover have acne.
Bad Reviews:
- Not water-proof.
- Gets patchy after some time.
7. Lorac Natural Performance Foundation
Lorac Natural Performance Foundation is free of oils, parabens, and fragrances, which can irritate skin and lead to more severe acne.
The product also includes three special ingredients: Xyleine, Premier Olive Leaf Extract, and Vitamin A that help to soothe and reduce redness in sensitive skin.
Good Reviews:
- Smooth coverage.
- Doesn’t dry too quickly.
- Oil-free and fragrance-free.
Bad Reviews:
- A bit pricey.
- Clings to dry patches.
- Gets a bit oily at the end of the day.
8. Rimmel London Stay Matte Clarifying Matte Foundation
Rimmel introduced this shine-free formula that leaves your skin looking picture perfect and fresh for up to 12 hours. It’s formulated with a gentle dose of salicylic acid, a known skin clarifying ingredient.
Go ahead and give your skin the much-needed confidence boost with this ultimate pick-me-up.
Good Reviews:
- Easy on pocket.
- Lightweight and comfortable.
- Non-greasy.
- Great non-comedogenic makeup.
Bad Reviews:
- Doesn’t have great coverage.
- Not for covering flaws.
- Not for oily skin.
9. E.I.F. Acne Fighting Foundation
E.l.f is a beauty miracle and makes awesome products with equally awesome prices.
This foundation features camphor, tea tree oil, aloe to soothe your irritated skin and salicylic acid to combat breakouts, leaving you with a photo-ready look.
Good Reviews:
- Affordable.
- Has a thick consistency, so one layer will be enough for full coverage.
- 1 tube can last for months.
- Prevents future breakouts.
- Very smooth and feels good on the skin.
Bad Reviews:
- Darker than the regular ELF sand foundation.
- Patchy for some.
10. BareMinerals Blemish Remedy
BareMinerals is well-known for its comfortable wear, along with being packed with the most natural ingredients.
This Blemish Ready Foundation offers buildable coverage for a natural look. It also combines Aspen bark and tea tree oil to treat blemished skin, while hydrating it.
Good Reviews:
- Reduction in sebum.
- Great coverage.
- Non-comedogenic.
Bad Reviews:
- Can’t be worn alone.
- Fades away quickly.
Summary
Each one of us has a complexion and skin type that is unique to us. But with this uniqueness comes different sensitivities, therefore, one foundation might work for one and not for the other.
So, don’t be afraid to experiment and bombard the seller with plenty of questions before purchasing a product. Also, make it a point to scan labels for ingredients while shopping.
What is the best makeup for acne prone skin according to you?
Share some of your favorite suggestions with us and other acne sufferers in the comments below.
